OK, maybe this group is not headed for
a national championship run. But do not be surprised
if they wind up pushing for a BCS bid when nobody believed
in August.

PENN
STATE - So many seniors abounded last season
in the Nittany Lion's run for a Big Ten title. The biggest
senior surprise came in the form of QB Michael Robinson,
in particular with his feet. Happy Valley fans are going
to miss those QB draws in crucial situations, but from
what occurred this spring, do not be surprised when
the incumbent, Pittsburgh-native Anthony Morelli, makes
his name known on the national scene. Last year, Joe
Paterno handed offensive coordinator Galen Hall a great
deal of room from which to work, and with Robinson,
Hall was able to adapt a system based on the skills
available at QB. Expect much of the same once again
as he makes the necessary transformations with Morelli,
a purer drop-back QB. Penn State finally has a large
supply of top quality receivers, an aspect that doomed
their passing game in years prior. The only question
marks remain within a depleted offensive line. Penn
State is not likely to repeat as conference champion,
especially with a crucial trip to the Horseshoe in Columbus
heavily circled on the revengeful Buckeye calendar.
But they should still be in the thick of the Big Ten
race at the midway point.

CALIFORNIA
- When fans think of a Jeff Tedford team, the first
aspect that comes to mind is an Aaron Rodgers or Kyle
Boller tossing the pigskin. Truth be told, the Tedford
offensive system has been producing top rated running
games with Bear backs often making short Heisman lists.
This fall will be no different as one of our top Heisman
Candidates, Marshawn Lynch, combines efforts with Justin
Forsett in the Cal backfield. This is one of the best
dual RB systems across the land after taking this group
to the 9th-rated rushing attack last season. Gone, however,
are some of the big reasons the ground game has been
so successful - offensive linemen Marvin Philip and
Ryan O'Callaghan have moved on to the NFL. Every other
unit seems to be more than solid, and it's just a matter
of who plays QB and whether that QB can elevate his
play enough to push Pac Ten powerhouse USC. The offensive
ground numbers should be good enough, though, to make
them a contender.

CLEMSON
- Why isn't Clemson favored to win the ACC
Atlantic Division? After all, they have more players
back than FSU; they have more All-Conference players
back than FSU; and more important, they put a beat down
on FSU in Death Valley late last season that Papa Bowden
is not likely to soon forget. Do the logic. OK, so Clemson
has to travel to Tallahassee this September. Truth be
told, Tommy Bowden has not fared well in recent years
when expectations have been placed on his Tiger program
in the preseason. His teams seem to thrive best when
given less respect so that no one sees them coming.
On the hot seat/off the hot seat/back on the hot seat…sheesh,
the roller coaster has been rough for this coaching
staff. The key falls in replacing four-year starter
Charlie Whitehurst at QB. Do not be surprised when senior
Will Proctor takes over without much of a drop off.
The reason for such a smooth transition has to do with
Clemson's dedication to getting more physical up front
and therefore running the football better, the prime
reason this team is set to push for their first ACC
Championship since 1991.

TEXAS
TECH - The Red Raiders are not a newcomer to
this arena. Coach Mike Leach has become famous for his
high-octane gunslingers at QB. B.J. Symons, Sonny Cumbie
and Cody Hodges seemed to throw for 600 yards every
week. Get ready for the next arm in line with Graham
Harrell (2003 Texas H.S. Gatorade Player of The Year).
But their QB is not the only position making a name.
As insane as it may sound, four receivers on this year's
depth chart were tabbed All-Conference in 2005. Just
call it the “Lubbock Aerial Circus” or “Air
Raid” as they term it down there. Though their
total defense improves with each passing season (30th
last year; 45th in ’04; 106th in ‘03), it
still may not be enough to put them in the Dr. Pepper
Big 12 Championship Game. Regardless, their offensive
numbers are astonishing, and this team has been in the
bride’s-maid position before all too often. Mike
Leach needs some kind of championship ring before anyone
can mention his program with the big boys. But they
are good enough to make a Top 10 appearance and push
for an at-large BCS invitation.